Deepfakes and the Escalation of Political Conflict
Imagine watching a political candidate deliver a controversial speech or a world leader engaging in an incendiary conversation only to discover none of it was real. This is the unsettling reality of political deepfakes, which are becoming increasingly common.
We were already living in an era where facts are under constant siege, but with the rise of deepfake attacks, this is becoming even more of an urgent threat.
Political deepfakes are fueling misinformation, undermining democratic institutions, and contributing to political polarization.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential impact of deepfakes on the 2024 U.S. elections and deepfake incidents worldwide. We’ll also highlight strategies, including deepfake detection, to combat them.
What are political deepfakes?
Political deepfakes are AI-generated synthetic media that manipulate video, audio, or images of political figures to deceive viewers, often for malicious reasons.
Deepfakes can fabricate speeches or alter footage of election debates. They allow hyper-realistic alterations that can go undetected by the untrained eye, becoming a potent tool for those looking to deceive voters and undermine election integrity.
The multifaceted impact of deepfakes on political landscapes
Weaponizing misinformation: Propaganda in the digital age
There’s no denying how deepfakes are becoming propaganda tools, allowing malicious actors to manipulate political narratives. Its use in spreading falsehoods and undermining democratic processes has escalated globally.
Some recent examples of political deepfakes worldwide include*:
- Moldova: Pro-Western President Maia Sandu has been the subject of repeated deepfake attacks. One particularly damaging video surfaced just before local elections, falsely showing Sandu endorsing a pro-Russian party and announcing her resignation.
- Taiwan: A deepfake video circulated on TikTok earlier this year showed U.S. Representative Rob Wittman promising stronger U.S. military support for Taiwan, stoking fears of U.S. interference in the region.
- Slovakia: Just before the parliamentary elections, audio clips surfaced online, featuring fabricated discussions about raising beer prices and rigging votes, potentially influencing public opinion right before the critical election.
- Bangladesh: Opposition lawmaker Rumeen Farhana, a vocal critic of the ruling party, was falsely depicted wearing a bikini, sparking outrage in the conservative, majority-Muslim nation. “They trust whatever they see on Facebook,” Farhana said.
*Source: Election disinformation takes a big leap with AI being used to deceive worldwide.
Undermining trust in democratic institutions and media
Trust in the media plays a pivotal role in upholding democracy, ensuring that individuals are informed and engaged in civic discourse. This year in the U.S., the FCC outlawed AI-generated robocalls aimed at discouraging voters.
When voters cannot discern real from fake, they create an environment of skepticism. Eventually, this lack of trust in reliable information leads to disengagement and disillusionment with their governments.
The polarization of trust is particularly evident in the U.S. According to recent data, trust levels in mass media vary significantly based on political affiliation. Such disparities highlight the gap in how different groups perceive the media’s credibility, further intensifying political polarization.
Influencing electoral processes and voter manipulation
Voter manipulation is a particularly concerning consequence of political deepfakes. Deepfakes can confuse voters by spreading disinformation, ultimately influencing electoral outcomes. They also target groups with less awareness about the emerging technology.
The widespread availability of such content raises ethical questions about election integrity and highlights the need for robust deepfake detection software to mitigate these risks.
Examples of political deepfakes in the 2024 election
Political deepfakes have already played a prominent role in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
For instance, deepfake detection software uncovered manipulated videos of political figures, such as the deepfake of VP Kamala Harris and the Biden robocall.
Learn how the Pindrop deepfake detection technology revealed the text-to-speech (TTS) engine behind Biden’s AI robocall.
Strategies to combat political deepfakes
Deepfake detection software
Cutting-edge deepfake detection software like Pindrop® Pulse™ Inspect is essential in the fight against political deepfakes. These tools can detect inconsistencies in audio and video, helping to verify the authenticity of media before it reaches the public.
The real-time capabilities of voice liveness detection are critical in preventing manipulated media from spreading unchecked.
Integrating multiple detection methods
A comprehensive approach to combating deepfakes involves integrating multiple detection methods, including:
- Real-time detection
- Continuous assessment
- Noise resilience, reverberation, and compression
- Explainable analysis
- Zero-day attack
The layered protection offered by the Pindrop® Pulse™ technology supports more accurate detection and faster response times.
Cross-sector collaboration in addressing deepfake threats
Tackling the challenges posed by political deepfakes requires collaboration across various sectors. Governments, media companies, and cybersecurity experts must work together to create a unified front against deepfake threats.
Developing universal standards for synthetic media authentication and media verification protocols can help safeguard democratic processes.
Mitigate the threat of political deepfakes today
As we look toward the future, governments, media companies, and individuals must take proactive steps to defend against the rise of political deepfakes.
By leveraging the right technology, we can mitigate the impact of political deepfakes. Learn more about how Pindrop® Pulse™ Inspect can help you verify the authenticity and trustworthiness of content.
